Brocciu Cheese vs Graviera Naxou Cheese

Brocciu Cheese is a soft, creamy goat or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Graviera Naxou Cheese is elastic and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in Greece.

What Is Brocciu Cheese?

Brocciu is a Corsican cheese made from a mix of whey and ewe's milk. It is eaten fresh or ripened for a few weeks, and it holds less lactose than Italian ricotta, which it often replaces.

What Is Graviera Naxou Cheese?

Graviera Naxou is a yellow hard cheese from the Greek island of Naxos, made with pasteurized cow's milk and up to 20 percent sheep's milk. It is known for its delicate, slightly sharp aroma and its PDO status, held since 1996.

What's the Difference Between Brocciu Cheese and Graviera Naxou Cheese?

• Origin: Brocciu Cheese (France), Graviera Naxou Cheese (Greece)
• Milk type: Brocciu Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Graviera Naxou Cheese (Predominantly cow's milk, sheep’s or goat’s milk (up to 20%))
• Texture: Brocciu Cheese (Soft, creamy), Graviera Naxou Cheese (Elastic)
• Rind: Brocciu Cheese (None), Graviera Naxou Cheese (Smear rind)
• Aging: Brocciu Cheese (Fresh or matured), Graviera Naxou Cheese (3 months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brocciu Cheese Taste Like Graviera Naxou Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Brocciu Cheese offers delicious, contrasted with Graviera Naxou Cheese's delicate, slightly sharp. More specifically, Brocciu Cheese shows creamy, delicious aroma; becomes saltier and more intense when matured, while Graviera Naxou Cheese leans toward produced traditionally, small-scale, without starter, renneted at 91–97°f, aged at least 3 months. Aging plays into this as well. Brocciu Cheese at fresh or matured develops a different profile than Graviera Naxou Cheese at 3 months.

Can You Substitute Brocciu Cheese for Graviera Naxou Cheese?

Brocciu Cheese can stand in for Graviera Naxou Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for elastic.

Which Is Better, Brocciu Cheese or Graviera Naxou Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Brocciu Cheese. For a elastic profile, Graviera Naxou Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brocciu Cheese the same as Graviera Naxou Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brocciu Cheese originates in France, while Graviera Naxou Cheese comes from Greece. Brocciu Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Graviera Naxou Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep. Aging also differs: Brocciu Cheese is typically aged fresh or matured, Graviera Naxou Cheese 3 months.

Is Brocciu Cheese similar to Graviera Naxou Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Brocciu Cheese for Graviera Naxou Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Brocciu Cheese taste like Graviera Naxou Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Brocciu Cheese made of?

Brocciu Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged fresh or matured. It originates in France.

What is Graviera Naxou Cheese made of?

Graviera Naxou Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized), using traditional lamb's stomach rennet. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Greece.

Which should I choose, Brocciu Cheese or Graviera Naxou Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brocciu Cheese is soft, creamy, while Graviera Naxou Cheese is elastic.